Union home minister Amit Shah (File photo)

NEW DELHI: A massive security deployment is planned in Puducherry’s Karaikal ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit on February 14, with nearly 500 police personnel to be stationed across the region for protection and crowd control at his public programme. Personnel from the Puducherry Police and allied units will be deployed at key junctions, venues, and entry points under the supervision of the Puducherry Deputy Inspector General of Police, officials told IANS.Shah is scheduled to arrive by helicopter at Thirunallar and proceed to the municipal ground for a public meeting. The senior BJP leader and former party president may also visit the Thirunallar temple before departing. The BJP has stepped up preparations for Shah’s visit to the poll-bound Union territory. A “bhoomi puja” was held on February 7 to mark the start of construction for the stage and pandal. Thousands of supporters are expected, with committees managing logistics and crowd coordination. Senior party functionaries said the focus is on securing a strong victory for the ruling All India NR Congress–BJP alliance in all five assembly constituencies in Karaikal. Puducherry assembly elections are expected in April.